Welding Tips and Tricks

Just got the 2016 200X model and am unclear what I'm hearing when the pedal is pressed (my first TIG machine). In TIG mode with pedal attached and machine turned on; whether the argon is hooked up or not, I hear what sounds like air escaping from inside the machine when the pedal is pressed and it stops when the the pedal is released. With the argon turned off, there is nothing that comes out of the torch when I hear this sound. Argon does flow through the torch when it's turned on. Is this normal? I emailed the company, but no reply.

Welcome, Joe,

That's the high-frequency start circuit making that noise. Perfectly normal.

You'll see what it does when you're ready to strike up.

It sounds like you may have a lot of questions when you're ready to work this machine. This is a great place to ask them.

Steve S